Preview - Fighting the Microbes: The History of Antibiotics

Fighting the Microbes: The History of Antibiotics

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Fighting the Microbes: The History of Antibiotics (30:00)

Item# 36095
©2006

This title is part of the following series:

Late Lessons from Early Warnings 2: The Ongoing Need for Vigilance

The prescription of antibiotics is a medical tightrope-walk. The drugs save lives, but, because of overuse, may soon usher in a new era of super-germs. This program outlines the discoveries of bacteria and penicillin and sheds light on the frightening emergence of multi-resistant, often deadly microbes during the last six decades. Presenting interviews with researchers who are deeply involved with the issue—including Tufts University microbiology professor Stuart Levy and Eva Nathanson of the World Health Organization’s Stop TB Program—the film examines the implications of antibiotic-enhanced livestock feed and the dangers that staphylococcus poses to hospital patients. Viewer discretion advised. Contains footage of injections, surgeries, and open wounds. (30 minutes)

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Segments in this Video - (7)

1. Accidental Discovery of Penicillin (04:47)

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Throughout most of human history infectious germs have caused death until Dr. Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin. The production and use of penicillin in the U.S. plays a key role in saving many lives during World War II.

2. New Treatment for Venereal Diseases (03:31)

Penicillin proves very effective in treating and stopping the spread of venereal diseases. In the post-war era new antibiotics that could cure many major diseases are developed, drastically decreasing loss of life.

3. Increasing Uses For Antibiotics (02:44)

Farmers inadvertently discover that adding antibiotics to feed helps animals grow bigger and stronger with less feed. In the 1950s sales of antibiotics increase, used to combat disease in humans and in livestock, to promote growth.

4. Fleming Warns Against Uncontrolled Use of Penicillin (05:12)

An antibiotic-resistant E. Coli outbreak in 1967 leads the British parliament to set up an investigatory committee which discovers that the use of antibiotics in livestock increases the growth of resistant pathogenic bacteria.

5. The Superbug: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (03:06)

MRSA, a specific strain of the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium, develops antibiotic resistance to all penicillins, including methicillin. First discovered in 1961, MRSA spreads world-wide, particularly in hospital settings.

6. VRE: Vanocomycin-Resistant Enterococci (04:00)

Discovered in 1989, VRE bacteria becomes widespread in just a few years. Concern increases when studies show that VRE bacteria develops during pig and chicken production by a growth promoter related to Vanocomycin.

7. Overuse and Misuse of Antibiotics: Emergence of Deadly Microbes (04:02)

Resistant bacteria quickly spreads in countries where antibiotics are administered when not medically necessary. Resistant pathogenic bacteria are one of the world's greatest health problems.